F36.2A

Common Sense: With it or Against it

Philadelphia, 1776... Thomas Paine, an unsuccessful sailor and apprentice, has put out a pamphlet titled "Common Sense". The question are you with or against the pamphlet that Paine has put out? In the past three months 120,000 copies of the pamphlet were published and are based off the rights given to the citizens of the colonies. Is targeting the King right, Paine thinks so.

As we all know, it is 1776 and there is an uprise occuring about the freedom that the colonists are lacking from the king.Loyaltists were not respected by many for their views but, patriots were. In Philidelphia, "Common Sense", and artical written to target the king is being published by Thomas Paine.

The Common Sense pamphlet is a pamphlet targeting the king about protecting the colonists independence. This pamphlet challenges the English Government and the king's authority. The question that Common Sense is asking is weather or not "a little island should rule a large continent." The pamphlet is 50 pages and is written with the rights of american citizens in mind.

All of this is occuring in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is the main place where a lot of the politial action takes place. Paine has also traveled with the Contental Army which means that he has seen a lot. He also wrote while he was serving. It seems that Thomas Paine was very devoted to letting people know what was going on.

"These are times that try men's souls," says Thomas Paine on the hard times that the colonies are going through right now. They are in a fight for freedom. Thomas Paine is often called the voice of the people because of the words that he writes inside the pamphlet "Common Sense". It is surprising to a lot of people that Thomas Paine has been through a lot in his past. He was an apprentice to his father and he also worked on a ship. When he returned to the colonies, he decided to be a journalist. This is where the story begins.

Thomas Paine wanted to speak on issues to some of the colonies less educated people. The way the pamphlet is written allows everyone to have a clear idea of what Paine was saying. This is very affective beacause he speaks to a wide range of audiences of all different classes. He has swayed many people's views and kept people updated on the information.

Thomas Paine's pamphlet is a reflection of his ability to speak for the people. Paine started his writing career out as a journalist but, then took a turn when he began writing this pamphlet. In the first three months, over 120,000 copies were published. Paine's determination to have freedom and the way he targeted the king is what is leading people to believe his points and turn people into patriots.

Reported By: Kaitlynn Blue and Taylor Hostelley